Lil boy blue's 20 gallon....updated(10-22-06)56k

[Lil boy blue]

Update.....the micro swords are not growing at all.....the only thing growing on them is algea.....i figured that was going to happen, so today i put the light more center on the tank to see if that helps......but if it doesnt then im switching to glosso or something....as of right now there is Java Fern, micro sword, Didiplis diandra, and a ludwigia repens(i think) o and a cyrpt....the fish are sailfin mollie, BN pleco, killi, three silver tipped tetras, and ghost shrimp.... I also might get more lighting in the tank...but im not sure.....o and i have HM floating for the killie untill everything grows in...



o yeah and heres a little update of my other ten gallon.......


Didiplis diandra

Java Moss


this tank is my favorite.....i guess my cories think so to because they spawned....

[Y0uH0]

I love the look of your other 10gallon. As for the one you are focusing on now,i hope you will succeed with the micro swords this time round after repositioning the light.Seems like everything will fall iinto place once this can happen.Do keep us updated

[the_noobinator]

your 10 gallon's carpet is so full! it's great. props to you for having the patience to separate your micro sword like that.

[unirdna]

Microsword is a hit or miss plant. I've never seen it moderately grow. It putz's along or it blankets your tank in 3 months (when you separate it, as you have done). Lighting doesn't seem to be the magic bullet, as it will grow as much under the shade of other plants as it will out in the open. I've also grown it equally well from 2wpg to over 4wpg (same tank). However, this may be the result of "sharing the load" via its runner system. What DOES appear to be very important is CO2. I haven't been able to ever grow the plant without at least 20ppm (30-50 is better).

Finally, if you bought your microsword (rather than trade), there is a very good chance that is was grown emersed, especially if it came in a small pot. In this case, all the original growth will die off. It will also take weeks for new growth to gain any momentum.

If this is the case, it is likely that your microsword will take considerable time to carpet your tank. I recommend you try another foreground plant, but do NOT remove the microsword. Let it acclimate and start spreading while you enjoy your "easier" foreground. Then, when it gets going, remove the other forground and replant your microsword. It will be well acclimated to your tank, and should spread quickly.

Good luck!

[ringram]

That big "carpet" looks like Hemianthus micranthemoides. And, yeah, I've tried growing microsword before and finally just gave up. Never really grew much, but leaves were always fighting algae.

Originally Posted by the_noobinator

your 10 gallon's carpet is so full! it's great. props to you for having the patience to separate your micro sword like that.

[Lil boy blue]

Unirdna- Thanks for the advice...and everything you said i have actually done in the previous scape.....the micro sword was actually covered by my HM carpet and it did spread like crazy.....but i did that on accident....so i will probably put some HM down soon....thanks for the tips again....ill post soon

[Lil boy blue]

OK so heres an update...so the micro sword is growing slow(at least it growing) It has a couple of runners and i see more coming up out of the substrate. I added some more plants and took out one plant, I added Rotala wallichi and Rotala indica and took out the ludwigia sp. The Dipilis Dandra is looking great after a struggle because of no ferts, but ever since i started Greg watson it has looked great......O and i also added a lotus like plant...











Unknown PLant....
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...e/IMG_1279.jpg

[Y0uH0]

Simple yet very nice looking layout.When the micro swords fill in,i am very sure your tank will look absolutely stunning,just like your other tanks.

[Lil boy blue]

Thanks for all the compliments, i just wish the micro sword would grow in faster but im just glad its growing Thanks again

[Lil boy blue]

Update time...everything is growing in great, and i got some new additions to the tank.....the micro sword is growing, i also added some chain sword i got for free to the tank. The chain sword was almost dead but its starting to come back. The rotala is starting to grow horizontal so its starting to carpet the bottom, i didnt plan for this but i will let it go for a little bit. I also bought some sterbi cories for the tank, everything is growing nice. i Just trimmed the plants after i took the pictures so updates soon......hope you like it








This plant wont stop growing ill post pictures of it later....the leafs get as big as my hand!!!!!

5 New additions

[Y0uH0]

Looking good as usual,love the colour placement.

[kzr750r1]

[quote=Lil boy blue]
This plant wont stop growing ill post pictures of it later....the leafs get as big as my hand!!!!!
QUOTE]
Keep the lotus leaves trimmed back and it will stay submersed. If you let the leaves touch the surface all the new growth will shoot there fast. Nice looking when kept either way, but an shade too much.

[Lil boy blue]

Update time....so i didnt think much has changed but now looking at the previous pictures a lot has happened......so i replanted stuff and added and removed plants. I took out the dipilis dandra out and replaced it with a type a crypt, but you cant see it because its too small just got it. I also took out the rotala wallichi (sp?) because the mollie striped it clean . The rotala indica was chopped really low so i can make it bushy again, and now i have Blyxa Japonica up in front.... And the crypt in the front right got massive...... all comments are welcomed...





o and i took out the mystery bulb and put it in another tank, but i did get a another buld that looks similar, but i forgot the name......

Thanks,
Brandon